In-home euthanasia provides a way for pets to pass with dignity and comfort in their own home. Families can grief in privacy without having to hold back tears in a waiting room and pets do not have to experience the fearful trip to the veterinary hospital. Dr. Bennett and his staff offer assistance with the entire 'end of life' process including sedation, euthanasia and care of remains. Dr. Bennett's Mobile Veterinary Service also offers full outpatient diagnostics and medical treatment so if a family member or pet is not quite ready then palliative care, hospice and comfort evaluation / counseling are available.

The process of home euthanasia

There are 3 stages of home euthanasia: Sedation, euthanasia and care of remains.

Sedation: Dr. Bennett will administer a sedative to the pet which will lead to a comfortable sleep within 1-7 minutes. After receiving the sedative the pet will feel euphoric and at ease as he or she gently falls asleep. Once asleep the pet will not feel any pain or anxiety prior to or during the euthanasia. 

Euthanasia: As soon as the pet is completely asleep Dr. Bennett will administer the euthanasia solution which causes instant passing. The transition is most often unnoticeable with no unpleasant effects such as tremors. 

Care of remains: After the euthanasia is complete Dr. Bennett offers to leave the family / caretaker alone with their pet for up to 15 minutes so they can continue to say goodbye and grieve. Dr. Bennett also offers to take the remains at once if preferred. Dr. Bennett and his assistant will take the remains and provide private cremation with ashes returned or communal cremation with no ashes returned. Care of remains can also be left up to the family / caretaker. Family members have the choice to be present or not for any part of the euthanasia process.

Preparing for in home euthanasia

1) Family members should decide if they want to be present during the euthanasia process prior to the doctors arrival but Dr. Bennett can also help with this decision. Many family members prefer to only be present during the sedation but not the euthanasia. If a family member or caretaker chooses they do not have to be present for any part of the process. 

2) A decision should also be made pertaining to the aftercare that is desired for their pet: Private cremation with ashes returned or communal cremation with no ashes returned.

3) A nice place with bedding or a blanket should be designated for the euthanasia. Preferably, this area is well lit with minimal distraction. Cramped spaces are discouraged but usually can be accommodated.  

4) Upon arrival, Dr. Bennett will ask that the necessary paperwork be filled out and that payment is made prior to performing the euthanasia so that caretakers do not need to fumble with payment while grieving. This can all be done over phone, fax / email prior to the appointment. 

Care of remains

Dr. Bennett offers two choices for care of remains:

Private Cremation: Remains are cremated alone and the ashes are returned to the family in a cedar urn.

Communal Cremation: Remains may be cremated with the remains of other animals and ashes are not returned to owner.

Urns come in a standard or upgraded style. Standard: Cedar with no engraving. Upgraded: Urn may have engraving , paw print or other insignia.

Service Area

Dr. Bennett Veterinary House Calls provides in-home euthanasia services to the East Bay Area including Contra Costa County and parts of Alameda County and Vallejo. Service area includes Walnut Creek, Lafayette , Concord, Pleasant Hill, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, Martinez, Danville, Hercules, Pinole, El Sobrante, Oakland, Martinez, Berkeley, Piedmont, Richmond, Albany, Kensington, Point Richmond, Albany and Kensington.